A Pathfinder for Parents, Staff, and the Community
INTRODUCTION - Some people call this subject "School Safety." But if schools were always safe places to be, we wouldn't be thinking about safety. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that some schools, sometimes, for some people are not safe places. So aren't we really talking about "school violence?" There are many forms of violence in schools:fights, bullying, verbal taunts, sexual harassment, sabotaging projects, vandalizing personal property and school equipment, hazing, gangs and in very rare and extreme cases, school shootings. These are some of the ways people on a school campus might be made to feel unsafe or threatened.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS -We have identified the following questions as being “essential” when discussing and/or researching violence in schools:
1.) If violence in schools is not a spontaneous behavior and without motivation, what are the chief and root causes of one of the biggest problems facing education systems around the world? (Keywords: “violence motivation”; “root causes”) (PSB)
2.) What are the effects of school violence on students and how does school violence affect student performance? (Keywords: “effects on students”; “effects on performance”) (PF)
3.) What can be done to prevent and reduce violence in schools? (Keywords: “violence prevention”; “violence reduction”) (DB)
If you would like to learn more about violence in schools, follow the links on this pathfinder. It will help you find information in your school library media center, on the Internet, and in the community about violence in schools.
There are several excellent books about violence in schools. A few of the books are listed below. To locate more books, use the suggested keywords and phrases to search your library catalog.
Capozzoli, T. K. (2000) Kids Killing Kids: Managing Violence and Gangs in Schools. FL: St. Lucie Press. ·Summary: This book includes such topics as the causes and effects of school violence, strategies for reducing and preventing school violence, emergency procedures/crisis management, and gangs. (PF) Garrett, A. G. (2001) KeepingAmerican Schools Safe: A Handbook for Parents, Students, Educators, Law Enforcement Personnel, and the Community.NC: McFarland & Company. ·Summary: This book discuss’ the state of violence in American schools today and the methods for making and keeping schools safer places.Some of the topics of this book are:national statistics, information on court cases, school prevention and intervention, parents and communities roles in reducing violence and characteristics of children with violent tendencies including profiles of potentially dangerous children. (DKB) Gerler, E.R., (2004). Handbook of School Violence. NY: Haworth Reference Press. ·Summary: This handbook contains topics such as academics and violence, developmental interventions, risk factors and types of school violence, case studies and solutions. (PSB) Kreiner, A., (1996) Everything You Need to Know About School Violence: The Need to Know Library. NY: Rosen. ·Summary: This is an illustrated book with appealing black-and-white and full-color photographs for all reading levels. While the pictures and situations used as examples involve high-school students, younger teens can learn much as well. Topics covered are: the reasons for the increased violence in schools, ways that students can protect themselves, abusive relationships, overall violence in society, and advice for teens on how to get help. (PSB)
Berenstain, S., (2002). The Berenstain Bears: No Guns Allowed.NY: Random House. ·Summary: When an increase in rudeness and aggressive behavior is noticed at BearCountrySchool, teachers and parents decide that something must be done. (PF) Cormier, R. (1974). The Chocolate War. NY: Knopf. ·Summary: Most recent movies and novels written about teenage angst and school violence have occurred in public schools. In The Chocolate War, Jerry Renault goes to an exclusive private school, and does not fit in. The poster in Jerry’s locker may read: "Do I dare to disturb the universe?" but Jerry needs to decide whether he will adhere to that ideal. Trapped in an institution full of corruption and moral weakness, Jerry is not so sure if he will get out of his high school years intact. (PSB) Hinton, S.E., (1967). The Outsiders.NY: Puffin. ·Summary: Recognized as one of the early classic young adult novels, The Outsiders was written by a female high school student and chronicles the tumultuous class conflict in the American mid-west. The poor “Greasers” and rich “Socs” battle throughout the book until somebody loses their life; then things really become interesting. (PSB) Lynch, C., (2002). Who’s theMan. NY: HarperCollins. ·Summary: Thirteen-year-old Earl Pryor is much too big for his age, and much too powerful for the anger that rages within him when classmates tease him, the girl he likes disappoints him, or his parents' problems get too real. Topics include: anger, adolescence, family and school violence. (DKB) Myers, W. D., (2004). Shooter.NY:HarperCollins. ·Summary: Written in the form of interviews, reports, and journal entries, the story of three troubled teenagers ends in a tragic school shooting. This book combines themes such as school violence, bullying, abuse, and race. Dean weaves these topics through a story of the violent school incident and its aftermath, including the crime’s investigation. Topics include: emotional problems, school and family violence, and bullies. (DKB)
Drug Strategies. (1998). SafeSchools, Safe Students: A Guide to Violence Prevention Strategies: Programs, Policies and Environmental Changes. Washington, D.C.: Drug Strategies. ·Summary: Drug Strategies has prepared a comprehensive assessment, with the help of some nationally recognized prevention experts, of the most widely used school violence prevention programs in the country. This pamphlet provides practical assistance in developing strategies to prevent youth violence, which is often related to substance abuse. Some topics include: violence prevention programs, school policies, practical strategies to prevent school violence, drug abuse prevention, and architectural and environmental changes to protect students. (PF) Heaviside, S. Rowand, C., Williams, C., Farris, E. (1998). Violence and Discipline Problems in U.S. Public Schools: 1996-97. U.S.NationalCenter for Education Statistics. Retrieved from ERIC. ·Summary: The NationalCenter for Education Statistics (NCES) is required to collect data on the frequency, seriousness, and incidence of violence in elementary and secondary schools. This survey is a result of this requirement.The results of this report come from the Principal/School Disciplinarian Survey on School Violence. (DKB) NJ Dept. of Education. (2005). The Commissioner's report to the Education Committees of the Senate and General Assembly: Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse in New Jersey Public Schools. New Jersey. Dept. of Education. Retrieved in ERIC.
Summary: This is the Commissioner's report which provides the NJ Legislature with data in four categories of incidents in NJ Public Schools: violence, vandalism, weapons and substance abuse. In this report, the department also notifies the Legislature and the public of the actions taken by the Commissioner, State Board of Education and the Department of Education (DOE) to address the problems indicated in the data. (PSB)
The web sites listed on this page have been previewed and selected for this topic. If additional information is needed, use thesuggested keywords and phrases to search the Internet. All electronic sources were operational, responding, and working correctly as of 14 July 2008. Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html Anti-gay bias in schools is a large problem. This website offers information, resources, tools and support to help students, parents and educators. GLSEN strives for respect and acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Includes links to local GLSEN chapters and information on how to start a gay-straight alliance student club. (PF) NationalSchoolSafetyCenter http://www.schoolsafety.us This organization advocates for safe, secure and peaceful schools.Fact sheets and other materials are available on bullying in schools (see free resources). (DKB) In the Spotlight: School Safety http://www.ncjrs.gov/spotlight/school_safety/Summary.html This site has tons of information on school violence that includes facts and figures, legislation and programs and other general information. Includes links to many other helpful sites on how to deal with bullies and bully resolution. (PSB) Prevent Youth Violence http://www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_pyv.html The Department of Justice has worked with the Department of Education to provide resources for parents and families. Especially helpful to families who have witnessed or experienced gang violence and/or have been victims of violence in schools. (PF) **Return to Top**
Videos, CD-ROM, Laserdiscs, etc.
Our library has the following multimedia resources about violence in schools: Blackboard Jungle (1955)
This film began the min-genre of films concerned with a new teacher, usually in an inner-city setting, who attempts to reach teens that are generally seen as violent, anti-social, incapable students. Blackboard Jungle stars Glenn Ford (Gilda; Superman), Sidney Poitier (Lilies of the Field; To Sir, With Love), and Vic Morrow (Combat!; The Bad News Bears) and presents what would within 15 years become a cultural revolution. (DKB)
Classroom Crisis: Dealing with Violence in School
Dr. James Tunney, professional football referee and high school principal, discusses the strategies developed by Dr. Fred Feitler in dealing with student fights, physical assaults against teachers and other discipline confrontations. (PF)
Released 40 years after Blackboard Jungle, Dangerous Minds stars Michelle Pfeiffer (Scarface; Stardust) as a retied Marine named LouAnne Johnson intent on teaching poor minority students in East Palo Alto, California. Offering candy, field trips, and Bob Dylan lyrics, LouAnne soon discovers the neglect her students have endured over the years and also finds that being a teacher does not stop once outside of the classroom. (PSB)
Perhaps the most famous movie depicting an exclusively New Jersey setting, Lean on Me is the true story of East Side High School in Paterson, one of the state’s most notoriously violent and under-achieving schools. Starring Morgan Freeman as Principal “Crazy” Joe Clark, the school is turned upside down by the new administrator, especially with his first major directive as principal: the expulsion of all students involved with the drug trade. (PSB)
Based on a true story, Stand and Deliver is the story of mathematics teacher Jaime Escalante who quits his job in a high-achieving school district to teach calculus to Barrio kids in East Los Angeles. Students not only battle the complex concepts of calculus, but also the social barriers set forth by the Advanced Placement (AP) test administrators and the violence surrounding their school and community. (DKB)
Do you need additional information? Did this pathfinder not quite supply what you need? Try using these words and phrases and combinations thereof in order to search magazine indexes, online library catalogs, CD-ROMs, print encyclopedias, the World Wide Web, or other sources:
Violence in Schools
1.) If violence in schools is not a spontaneous behavior and without motivation, what are the chief and root causes of one of the biggest problems facing education systems around the world? (Keywords: “violence motivation”; “root causes”) (PSB)
2.) What are the effects of school violence on students and how does school violence affect student performance? (Keywords: “effects on students”; “effects on performance”) (PF)
3.) What can be done to prevent and reduce violence in schools? (Keywords: “violence prevention”; “violence reduction”) (DB)
If you would like to learn more about violence in schools, follow the links on this pathfinder. It will help you find information in your school library media center, on the Internet, and in the community about violence in schools.
**Places**
Capozzoli, T. K. (2000) Kids Killing Kids: Managing Violence and Gangs in Schools. FL: St. Lucie Press.
· Summary: This book includes such topics as the causes and effects of school violence, strategies for reducing and preventing school violence, emergency procedures/crisis management, and gangs. (PF)
Garrett, A. G. (2001) Keeping American Schools Safe: A Handbook for Parents, Students, Educators, Law
Enforcement Personnel, and the Community. NC: McFarland & Company.
· Summary: This book discuss’ the state of violence in American schools today and the methods for making and keeping schools safer places. Some of the topics of this book are: national statistics, information on court cases, school prevention and intervention, parents and communities roles in reducing violence and characteristics of children with violent tendencies including profiles of potentially dangerous children. (DKB)
Gerler, E.R., (2004). Handbook of School Violence. NY: Haworth Reference Press.
· Summary: This handbook contains topics such as academics and violence, developmental interventions, risk factors and types of school violence, case studies and solutions. (PSB)
Kreiner, A., (1996) Everything You Need to Know About School Violence: The Need to Know Library. NY: Rosen.
· Summary: This is an illustrated book with appealing black-and-white and full-color photographs for all reading levels. While the pictures and situations used as examples involve high-school students, younger teens can learn much as well. Topics covered are: the reasons for the increased violence in schools, ways that students can protect themselves, abusive relationships, overall violence in society, and advice for teens on how to get help. (PSB)
Berenstain, S., (2002). The Berenstain Bears: No Guns Allowed. NY: Random House.
· Summary: When an increase in rudeness and aggressive behavior is noticed at Bear Country School, teachers and parents decide that something must be done. (PF)
Cormier, R. (1974). The Chocolate War. NY: Knopf.
· Summary: Most recent movies and novels written about teenage angst and school violence have occurred in public schools. In The Chocolate War, Jerry Renault goes to an exclusive private school, and does not fit in. The poster in Jerry’s locker may read: "Do I dare to disturb the universe?" but Jerry needs to decide whether he will adhere to that ideal. Trapped in an institution full of corruption and moral weakness, Jerry is not so sure if he will get out of his high school years intact. (PSB)
Hinton, S.E., (1967). The Outsiders. NY: Puffin.
· Summary: Recognized as one of the early classic young adult novels, The Outsiders was written by a female high school student and chronicles the tumultuous class conflict in the American mid-west. The poor “Greasers” and rich “Socs” battle throughout the book until somebody loses their life; then things really become interesting. (PSB)
Lynch, C., (2002). Who’s the Man. NY: HarperCollins.
· Summary: Thirteen-year-old Earl Pryor is much too big for his age, and much too powerful for the anger that rages within him when classmates tease him, the girl he likes disappoints him, or his parents' problems get too real. Topics include: anger, adolescence, family and school violence. (DKB)
Myers, W. D., (2004). Shooter. NY: HarperCollins.
· Summary: Written in the form of interviews, reports, and journal entries, the story of three troubled teenagers ends in a tragic school shooting. This book combines themes such as school violence, bullying, abuse, and race. Dean weaves these topics through a story of the violent school incident and its aftermath, including the crime’s investigation. Topics include: emotional problems, school and family violence, and bullies. (DKB)
Drug Strategies. (1998). Safe Schools, Safe Students: A Guide to Violence Prevention Strategies: Programs,
Policies and Environmental Changes. Washington, D.C.: Drug Strategies.
· Summary: Drug Strategies has prepared a comprehensive assessment, with the help of some nationally recognized prevention experts, of the most widely used school violence prevention programs in the country. This pamphlet provides practical assistance in developing strategies to prevent youth violence, which is often related to substance abuse. Some topics include: violence prevention programs, school policies, practical strategies to prevent school violence, drug abuse prevention, and architectural and environmental changes to protect students. (PF)
Heaviside, S. Rowand, C., Williams, C., Farris, E. (1998). Violence and Discipline Problems in U.S. Public
Schools: 1996-97. U.S. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from ERIC.
· Summary: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is required to collect data on the frequency, seriousness, and incidence of violence in elementary and secondary schools. This survey is a result of this requirement. The results of this report come from the Principal/School Disciplinarian Survey on School Violence. (DKB)
NJ Dept. of Education. (2005). The Commissioner's report to the Education Committees of the Senate and
General Assembly: Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse in New Jersey Public Schools. New Jersey.
Dept. of Education. Retrieved in ERIC.
Education Week (DKB)
Teacher Librarian (PSB)
Education Digest (PF)
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Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
Anti-gay bias in schools is a large problem. This website offers information, resources, tools and support to help students, parents and educators. GLSEN strives for respect and acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Includes links to local GLSEN chapters and information on how to start a gay-straight alliance student club. (PF)
National School Safety Center
http://www.schoolsafety.us
This organization advocates for safe, secure and peaceful schools. Fact sheets and other materials are available on bullying in schools (see free resources). (DKB)
In the Spotlight: School Safety
http://www.ncjrs.gov/spotlight/school_safety/Summary.html
This site has tons of information on school violence that includes facts and figures, legislation and programs and other general information. Includes links to many other helpful sites on how to deal with bullies and bully resolution. (PSB)
Prevent Youth Violence
http://www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_pyv.html
The Department of Justice has worked with the Department of Education to provide resources for parents and families. Especially helpful to families who have witnessed or experienced gang violence and/or have been victims of violence in schools. (PF)
**Return to Top**
Blackboard Jungle (1955)
- This film began the min-genre of films concerned with a new teacher, usually in an inner-city setting, who attempts to reach teens that are generally seen as violent, anti-social, incapable students. Blackboard Jungle stars Glenn Ford (Gilda; Superman), Sidney Poitier (Lilies of the Field; To Sir, With Love), and Vic Morrow (Combat!; The Bad News Bears) and presents what would within 15 years become a cultural revolution. (DKB)
Classroom Crisis: Dealing with Violence in School- Dr. James Tunney, professional football referee and high school principal, discusses the strategies developed by Dr. Fred Feitler in dealing with student fights, physical assaults against teachers and other discipline confrontations. (PF)
Dangerous Minds (1995)- Released 40 years after Blackboard Jungle, Dangerous Minds stars Michelle Pfeiffer (Scarface; Stardust) as a retied Marine named LouAnne Johnson intent on teaching poor minority students in East Palo Alto, California. Offering candy, field trips, and Bob Dylan lyrics, LouAnne soon discovers the neglect her students have endured over the years and also finds that being a teacher does not stop once outside of the classroom. (PSB)
Lean on Me (1989)- Perhaps the most famous movie depicting an exclusively New Jersey setting, Lean on Me is the true story of East Side High School in Paterson, one of the state’s most notoriously violent and under-achieving schools. Starring Morgan Freeman as Principal “Crazy” Joe Clark, the school is turned upside down by the new administrator, especially with his first major directive as principal: the expulsion of all students involved with the drug trade. (PSB)
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)- Teen-age son of a well-to-do family gets involved in violence when he attempts to win the approval of a gang of high-school hoodlums. (PF)
Stand and Deliver (1988)**Return to Top**
- 322.4 (PF)
- 371.78 (PSB)
- 371.782 (DKB)
- 371.784 (PF)
- 371.786 (PSB)
- 371.5 (DKB)
- 371.51 (PSB)
- 371.58 (DKB)
- 974.901 (PF)
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24-Hour Help-Lines (All calls are confidential):
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http://www.preventioninstitute.org/schoolviolence.html
A set of eight fact sheets developed by the Prevention Institute with the support of the Children’s Safety Network aimed to prevent school violence. (DKB)
An Overview of Strategies to Reduce School Resources
http://www.ericdigests.org/1998-1/overview.htm (DKB)
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP)
http://www.childtrends.org/lifecourse/programs/TeenOutreachProgram.htm
The Teen Outreach Program goal is to reduce and prevent teen problem behaviors. Large emphasis on structured volunteer community service. (PSB)
Help For Struggling Teens
http://www.helpmyteen.com/index.html?helpge=teen+program&gclid=CKn9lrmZv5QCFQm0HgodRjUNTQ
A proven experienced program. This organization’s goal is to counsel and connect families with appropriate situations for their troubled teen. (PF)
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